Species in the family of sapygid wasps have unusually thick antennae, but possess the black and yellow striped bodies like so many other bees and wasps. Today’s species (Eusapyga verticalis) is a good example. These wasps are parasites which lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps. Their larvae consume the larvae of their host and any other nutrients in the nest such as pollen. This type of lifestyle is called cleptoparasitism.
They are not considered as pests, although other wasps that they steal from no doubt regard them as criminals in the insect world. This family is widespread but rare with only 11 species in North America and 82 species across the world.
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